Bechtel set to hire Iraqi workers

BECHTEL, the lead contractor for reconstruction work in war-scarred Iraq, is planning to hire a small army of Iraqi workers to get the job done.

A spokesman for the San Francisco-based company said it planned to take on 25,000 Iraqi workers, mostly through subcontractors, as it rebuilds roads, clinics and water plants. 'That's the way to get the Iraqi economy moving again,' the official said.

Bechtel has already said it wants to ensure that at least half of the projects on offer are turned over to Iraqi companies. To date 49 sub-contracts have been awarded, with 18 going to Iraqi firms.